Frozen Pipes: Protect Your Home and Your Wallet
Winter weather can bring new hazards to your home. The pipes that lead water in and out of your home can cause serious headaches and potentially thousands of dollars in damages if they freeze. Many people believe any damage will be covered by their insurance company. However, if you don’t take certain steps as outlined by your home or business insurance policy to prevent freezing, you could have your claim reduced or denied entirely.
What Causes Pipes to Freeze?
Any water exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit is at risk of freezing. You’ll find pipe freezes occur commonly in the following places:
Vacation homes in colder regions that are left without the heater running
Spigots on the exterior of the home
Plumbing that resides inside of a wall exposed directly to the outside
Basements, attics, crawlspaces, and other commonly unheated areas within the home
Cold Weather is Coming. What Can I Do?
Keep Your Home’s Interior Warm
When temperatures drop, even an insulated home will eventually reach a point where the temperature inside is nearly the same as outside. Keeping the heat on ensures that the pipes inside your home are exposed to at least some amount of residual heat. Opening the cabinets underneath your sinks also allows for the heated air within the home to reach the pipes that are full of water and vulnerable to freezing. Keeping the garage door closed will also prevent a large amount of cold air from entering and freezing any piping in the garage and attached spaces.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Common, easily-available methods of insulating pipes include heat tape, foam pipe sleeves, or in a real pinch, a pool noodle slit lengthwise. Keeping your pipes warm not only prevents freezing but can reduce your energy costs, as heat can be lost from uninsulated pipes.
Seal Air Leaks
Any open crack, crevice, or seal within your home can act as an entryway for cold air to bypass your insulation and head straight for your pipes. Inspect your home regularly for air leaks at windows, doors, and places where your water pipes come in from the outside. If needed, use spray foam or caulk to seal any leaks you find.
I Think My Pipes Are Frozen. What Now?
If you’re experiencing reduced water pressure, smelling musty odors, or hearing strange noises in your walls after a cold spell, you may be dealing with frozen pipes. Some immediate steps to take are:
Turn off the water supply valve in your home
Keep the faucet open to reduce water pressure
Apply heat to the pipes using items like warm towels, heat packs, and/or a space heater directed toward the pipes underneath the sink
The best choice is to call a licensed professional to ensure your home hasn’t suffered any extensive damage. A burst pipe may not always cause damage that is immediately noticeable, but even the smallest crack from freezing water can cause catastrophic damage to your home. If your insurance company deems that you weren’t taking proper preventative measures, the costs of repairing that damage could fall on you.
If you’re in the process of filing a claim for a burst pipe or considering doing so, call our team at (314) 503-0540 or visit our contact page for a free review of your policy. As Missouri public adjusters, it's our duty to help ensure you’re not left out in the cold by the insurance companies this winter!
Happy Holidays from us at Edwin-Claude, and have a Happy New Year!
